Pastor of Communities

Bridgetown believes in the participation of all people, at every life stage, in practicing the way of Jesus. We believe that to be an apprentice of Jesus of Nazareth is to reorder your life around three goals:

1. Be with Jesus


2. Become like Jesus


3. Do what Jesus did
   

Our hope is that as we live this way together, our lives, our communities, and our city will be transformed.

Role Summary:

The Pastor of Communities provides spiritual leadership and vision for the integration and flourishing of the Bridgetown family—to encounter Jesus and be transformed by him in and through Bridgetown Communities (i.e. Bridgetown’s small group model).

This role reports to the Lead Communities Pastor and works in close collaboration with the other Pastor of Communities to create clear, intentional pathways for people to be welcomed into Bridgetown Communities and grow in spiritual maturity. This role provides oversight to the development and pastoring of Community Leaders who serve as frontline pastors in our church—with a particular emphasis on supporting our female Community Leaders.

A key part of this role also includes creating and curating content: developing curriculum for Bridgetown Communities, Community Guides, and additional leadership training resources. This pastoral role blends relational leadership, spiritual formation, strategic thinking, structural organization, and content development.

Essential Responsibilities:

Pastoral Care

• Lead, equip, and provide pastoral care for Bridgetown Community Leaders. Maintain ongoing rhythms of care and proactive development for Leaders through regular touchpoints, prayer, and coaching.


• Provide care and coaching to Community Leaders as they navigate group dynamics, conflict, transitions, and  offering support and discernment in partnership with the Communities team—with a particular emphasis on supporting our female Community Leaders.

Leader Pathway

• Provide support in the implementation and execution of each phase of the Leader Pathway (e.g. New Leader Training and Leader Cohort) to identify, equip, and release Community Leaders.


• Assist the Lead Communities Pastor in teaching and facilitating Community Leader Cohort in monthly and/or bi-monthly rhythms. 

Basics Pathway

• Implement and execute the Basics Pathway (i.e. the process of launching new Communities) in collaboration with the Lead Communities Pastor and the rest of the Communities team.


• Oversee the placement of individuals into Bridgetown Communities with intentionality and care.


• Lead and manage Basics (i.e. the required introductory course for everyone joining a Bridgetown Community) three times per year—including planning, teaching, registration, and group formation.

Content & Curriculum Development

• Develop and maintain curriculum for the Basics Pathway, ensuring alignment with Bridgetown’s vision and teaching.


• Create Community Guides to support ongoing discipleship and spiritual practices in line with Sunday teaching series.


• Write and develop training resources for the ongoing development of Community Leaders.

General Expectations for Pastoral Staff:

• Commissioned by the Elders of Bridgetown Church.


• Aligned with Bridgetown’s theological beliefs (see bridgetown.church/belief) and leadership structure.


• Live within the character qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1–13.


• Embody and uphold Bridgetown’s Staff Values: empowerment, communication, playfulness, team, spirit-led and orthodoxy, stewardship, integrity, and prayer.


• Respond to Communities-related questions and concerns with timeliness and pastoral care.


• Carry out pastoral responsibilities as needed (e.g., baptisms, weddings, teachings, spiritual counseling, communion, funerals).


• Actively involved in a Bridgetown Community.


• Work a full-time, Sunday-Thursday, schedule.


• Participate in weekly staff meetings and staff events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Commitment to Bridgetown’s staff life rhythms: Sabbath, daily prayer rhythm, and a personal rule of life.


• 5+ years of relevant experience in ministry or leadership roles.


• Demonstrated experience in recruiting, developing, and caring for volunteer teams.


• Effective communicator with strong relational and organizational skills.


• Vision-driven, action-oriented, and highly responsible.


• Reside in Portland, OR (or willing to relocate).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of pastoral leadership experience.


• Demonstrated experience leading teams and equipping lay leaders.


• Experience with systems and database management.


• Master’s degree in theology or biblical training (or equivalent).


• Familiarity with spiritual formation practices.


• Applied knowledge in areas of race, diversity, and equity.


• Training or experience in social work and/or contemporary missiology.

Physical Requirements:

• Sit: frequently


• Stand/walk: occasionally


• Climb stairs: occasionally


• Hand dexterity: frequent (computer/phone use, writing)


• Vision/Hearing: must be able to read and communicate clearly


• Lift/Carry: up to 30 lbs


• Push: up to 30 lbs

This job description is intended to summarize the key responsibilities and qualifications for this role. It is not exhaustive and may evolve over time. Bridgetown Church reserves the right to revise duties as needed.